William Robert "Bill" Dorris

William R. (Bill) Dorris, 85, went to be the Lord on February 19, 2011. Bill was born September 14, 1925, in El Campo, Texas, to Daniel Judson & Lydia Erie Dorris. He married Rodessa on June 29, 1946. They celebrated 64 years together loving and supporting each other. Bill was a diesel mechanic for over 60 years. He was a faithful member of the Immanuel Baptist Church.

Bill served in the US Navy during World War II in the Pacific aboard the air craft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard. While in the Navy, he received several ribbons and 2 battle stars for serving during the war. He loved golf, gardening, hunting, and RV traveling. He worked with the Boy Scouts for many years serving as Scout Master. He retired from Goodyear Proving Grounds in 1989.

He is survived by his wife, Rodessa, sons, Danny Dorris and wife Barb, Duwain Dorris and wife Jan, Richard Dorris, and wife Katrina, and a special daughter-in-law Carolyn Paddock and husband Larry; 12 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Judson Dorris Sr., his mother Lydia Erie Dorris, brothers, Judson Bradford Dorris and wife Fanny, Daniel Judson Dorris Jr., and wife Betty, a sister, Nora Blackwood, his son, Randy Dale Dorris, and great grandson, Brayden Duwain Dorris.

The visitation with the family is Monday, February 21st from 6-8 pm at Johnson Funeral Home. Services will be at the Johnson Funeral Home, Tuesday, February 22nd at 2 pm with pastor, James Mitchell officiating. Pall Bearers assisting in the service are Chance Dorris, Marc Dorris, Winston Cave, Rick McKee, Terry Vick, and Bob Doolen. Honorary Pall Bearers are Dub McDaniels and Melvin Steadman. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund.

Family and friends may sign an online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com